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OCTOBER 19TH: Otani is set to decide between playing in MLB and staying in Japan on Monday, according to a report from Sanspo (Japanese link) passed along by Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker (via Twitter).

Well one thing about that is you cannot teach velocity. You have it or you don't. I'd love to get a shot at someone who can develop. This is the type of signing I look forward to regardless of time frame to develop. Trade for a rebound candidate like Masterson and build slowly. Don't overspend and be stuck with another Drew, Lackey etcetera.

sort of, the younger a guy is the more likely it is that you can train him to throw harder.

Originally Posted by BGeer091

I'm still annoyed we didn't go hard after Chapman and Solar. Id still like to get Jose Mujica. This Japanese kid def seems worth a shot as well.

you should be annoyed you didn't get puig either, he seems like the real deal, though there is a guy named Jose Abreu who plays in cuba and is a monster 1b,

Originally Posted by Nomar_RA

Hopefully that's enough but I have to assume he's Texas bound. Fingers crossed though for sure.

why the dodgers have more money to spend than the rangers, and have had a better track record with Japanese players.

Japanese pitching prospect Shohei Otani announced that he will pursue a career in MLB rather than turn professional in Japan, according to the Associated Press. The Red Sox, Rangers, and Dodgers have all sent representatives to Japan to meet with Otani recently and the Orioles are also said to have interest in the right-hander.

"I think I will start in the minor leagues but I want to challenge in the majors. It's been my dream since entering high school," said the 18-year-old.

Otani, who stands at 6'4" and weighs 190 pounds, has a strong fastball that has been clocked in the 99-100 mph range. If Otani signs with a major league club, he'll be the first potential top NPB draft pick to make the direct jump from high school in Japan to the U.S.

As a tall right-hander, many are quick to compare Otani to fellow Japanese pitcher Yu Darvish. Otani boasts a similarly live arm with a little bit more velocity and a lot less polish than Darvish showed in high school, writes Patrick Newman of NPB Tracker. In terms of build, Otani is slightly shorter than the 26-year-old hurler but is heavier than Darvish was at 18.